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Brutal Legend Multiplayer Pro Tips from Tim Schafer

EA dropped us a note to let us know that Double Fine's Tim Schafer has some pro tips for playing his new title Brutal Legend online -- and not dying. First up, Schafer veritably screams that the Stage Battle mode is most definitely not a real-time strategy affair.

In an RTS game you float high above the action, making one split-section strategic decision after another. You often command individual units to position them based on their heath and context. In Brutal Legend, you make strategic choices once in a while, but then you jump into the battle and slug it out in person.

You can fly, but it's mostly for quick scouting and transportation. You will spend a few seconds every once in a while popping into a menu to build troops or pick a guitar solo, but then you should be right back in the action. To play the game most effectively you need to be on the ground with your army most of the time, mixing it up with your axe, and your guitar, but most of all -- using your Double Team attacks.

Schafer continues to harp on about the importance of using the Double Team moves, which range from simple to advanced attacks. He also notes that players "should never be up in the air or away from the battle for too long." It looks like the overall plan of attack should be:

Get in the center of the action!

Use Double Team attacks!

Don't stay in the air too long!

Use Double Team attacks!!

For the most part, keep your army together!

Use Double Team attacks!!!

Don't think of it as an RTS game!

Have you ventured away from solo play yet?

Bryn says: What more advice do you need? I'm curious to hear from those of you that were initially put off the game because of its rock and roll roots. Did you pick it up? Are you enjoying it? What made you change your mind? (Maybe it was our stellar review.)